Celebrity businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has clarified that he did not participate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State, insisting that he withdrew from the race before the exercise was held.
The nightlife entrepreneur made the clarification through a series of posts shared on his Instagram story on Sunday, following widespread reports that he lost the APC primary election to incumbent lawmaker, Canice Nwachukwu.
According to him, his decision to step down came after consultations with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who reportedly explained the party’s zoning arrangement within the constituency. Cubana Chief Priest said the governor maintained that Orlu Local Government Area should complete at least two terms before the seat rotates to another area.
He explained that although he initially aspired to contest because he believed the constituency deserved better representation, he eventually respected the party’s internal agreement and chose not to proceed with the primary election.
Cubana Chief Priest also denied claims that he was physically present at the primary venue or that he polled only 14 votes during the exercise. He insisted that immediately the party communicated its final decision to him in the early hours before the primary, he returned to Lagos and stayed away completely from the process.
His clarification appears to contrast with an earlier viral video in which he expressed disappointment over the outcome of the primary and suggested that he regretted trusting some political stakeholders in his community. The new statement, however, emphasized that he never officially participated in the election itself.
The businessman further dismissed social media reactions surrounding the controversy, describing some of the narratives as unnecessary propaganda aimed at generating online attention.
He also denied reports suggesting he became financially indebted to supporters because of the failed political ambition.
Cubana Chief Priest reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for President Bola Tinubu and the party ahead of the 2027 general elections through his “City Boy Movement” initiative.